Vivid Sydney: Amazing technicolor coats of Sydney Opera House

Updated 0707 GMT (1407 HKT) May 26, 2014

Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – The sixth annual Vivid Sydney festival opened on Friday, May 23. Tagged "the festival of light, music and ideas," Australia's largest and most spectacular festival officially launched with the lighting of the sails of Sydney Opera House. This year, the festival commissioned UK/U.S. artists 59 Productions to design the projected artwork for the famous landmark. The festival will run until June 9.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – New South Wales Premier Mike Baird hit the light switch for the lighting of the sails. More than 200 events showcasing design, digital media and music are part of the festival, which provided a $20 million boost to the New South Wales economy, according to festival organizers.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – This year is the first time the festival extends into the harbor. Cruise ships, ferries and water taxis have been emblazoned with colorful LED lights that change color according to which areas of the harbor they are in as part of the "Harbour Lights" event.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – In addition to the harbor, this year's festival also includes the new precincts of Martin Place, Carriageworks, The University of Sydney and The Star.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – Organizers are warning that visitors should be aware of large crowds. On Friday night a 34-year-old man fell and drowned at Darling Harbour during the light show.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – Transportation to and from the festival has been difficult despite the 3,500 public transport services that have been added for the festival.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – Last year, more than 800,000 visitors attended the festival.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – Other notable works by 59 Productions include the opening ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the Broadway and West-End play "War Horse."

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – A complimentary shuttle bus is being operated by the Sydney Opera House for elderly and less mobile visitors. More information can be found on the official website.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – More stunning images from the show can be found on the festival's Instagram feed @vividsydney.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – There are 80 shows in the festival's music lineup. The full schedule can be seen here.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – The festival's official Twitter account is pushing out travel tips and real-time transport updates for the festival. The latest: "Weekdays, especially from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. are the least crowded."

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – Lectures, discussions, workshops and design lounges are part of the festival's "Ideas" arm. Vivid Ideas will showcase 300 speakers at 180 creative industry events. The program can be found here.

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia also lights up each night from 6 p.m. to midnight. Inspired by artist Jess Johnson, the building projects 3D visual effects with designs evoking old school gaming and pop-up books among other fantastic displays. The projection technology is masterminded by Technical Direction Company (TDC).

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Vivid Sydney 2014 lights the sails15 photos

Vivid Sydney 2014 – The spectacular displays of the MCA Projection will continue until January 1.